In a video interview, Lukaku said of Anelka: "He's been my idol since I was a kid. He still is.

"I think he shouldn't be banned for that. He was supporting a stand-up comedian in France," Lukaku added in a video which appeared on the Everton website. "We don't have to make such a big deal about it. He's an adult. I hope he doesn't get suspended because he's a player people want to see play on the pitch."

He has been charged with making a improper gesture and that it was an aggravated breach, in that it included "a reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or religion or belief."

"It is alleged that, in the 40th minute of the fixture, Anelka made a gesture which was abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting and/or improper, contrary to FA Rule E3[1]," the FA said in a statement.

"It is further alleged that this is an aggravated breach, as defined in FA Rule E3[2], in that it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or religion or belief."

A three-man independent regulatory commission will now be appointed to deal with the case - either to decide on the sanction if Anelka admits the charge or to hold a disciplinary hearing if he denies it.